While the pinky ring is picking up steam in 2026, the jewelry trend has long been on the rise. Back in June, Meghan Markle posted an Instagram tribute to her daughter, Lilibet, in honor of her fourth birthday. While many were probably focused on the rarely-seen young princess, my eyes flew straight to the rock on Markle’s pinkie finger. While nowadays, the Duchess of Sussex rocks a bezel-set emerald-cut diamond, she was wearing pinky rings even as a working royal. In 2019, while attending Wimbledon, Markle accessorized her courtside look with a small sapphire on a slim gold band. But it seems that after she and Prince Harry took a step back from their royal duties, she upgraded to her current statement ring.
Emily Ratajkowski made headlines in 2024 when she leveled up her own ring stack, repurposing her toi et moi engagement ring into two separate “divorce rings.” One of them became a pear-shaped diamond pinky ring, set askew on a yellow gold band. Victoria Beckham was the next to show off a ring on her little finger. The designer kept her stack sparse, pairing her pinky ring with a petite emerald on her pointer finger.
Pinky rings are loaded with cultural significance, from mob bosses to the aristocracy. In the mid-20th century, queer people signaled their sexuality with signets, while in Victorian times, pinky rings were used to display disinterest in marriage. These days, though, the jewelry has largely shed its associations. Be it an enormous gemstone or a more diminutive band, the pinky ring makes for a welcome statement piece.




